Abel Tasman National Park is the smallest of NZ’s national parks and arguably the prettiest stretch of coast in the country — golden beaches, water in every shade of blue and green, and easy native-forest walking connecting them. It’s warm, gentle and accessible, which makes it a backpacker favourite.
How to do it cheap
The famous Coast Track is a Great Walk (see our dedicated post), but you don’t have to commit to the whole multi-day trip:
- Day-walk a section: Catch a budget water taxi one way (e.g. to Anchorage or Bark Bay) and walk back to Mārahau through the best scenery. Half the cost, all the views.
- Free from Mārahau: You can walk the first stretch from the southern entrance to Coquille Bay or Apple Tree Bay and back for nothing.
- Kayak: Renting a kayak for a day lets you reach hidden coves and (in season) see fur seals at Tonga Island.
Hidden gem
Most people pile into Anchorage. Push a little further to Te Pukatea Bay, a near-perfect crescent of sand just around the headland, and you’ll often have it nearly to yourself.
Tides matter
A couple of crossings (like Torrent Bay) are tidal — check the tide table or you’ll be waiting (or wading).
Camping
Within the park, camping is in bookable DOC campsites only — reserve through DOC, especially in summer. Outside, Mārahau and Kaiteriteri have designated self-contained spots. Check CamperMate.
Base a Campervanz van in Mārahau and day-trip into paradise.
